Abraham Lincoln Birthplace

On the trip to KY from OH we HAD to stop at Abe Lincoln's birthplace, considering this is the 200th year since his birth. It was a great stop and nice time walking around the area. He was such a great man and I am dying to convince Dan to go for "Lincoln" especially this year!

This marked #41 on our National Parks/Monuments quest. Once we married and realized we would not have the money/time/ability to travel outside the country as often as we would like (still plagued with wanderlust though) we began a quest to visit ALL the National Parks and sites before we die. We have hit a number of them already. We have come to find that they truly are TREASURES here on our country's soil. These places and parks mark a history and carry a spirit only felt at those sites. I am grateful for all those who dedicated much of their time and energy to the preservation of these sites.

First Stop, OHIO

On our "10 states in 10 days" tour we visited Tyler and his family in Ohio. They planned a great day for the kids. We went to a great park-with $.75 amusement rides. We then took them to see Earth (fantastic!). We had that evening one of Alyson's wonderful meals and the kids enjoyed playing outside. The adults enjoyed hours of pool and Rock Band. It was a great time. Thanks guys!

Fourth of July Weekend FIREWORKS!

Three nights in a row we were able to enjoy some spectacular fireworks shows. First night we were able to spend with extended fam in Lancaster enjoying the Lanc Country Club show. 2nd night we have a fabulous evening on our back patio enjoying 8 shows across the field. It actually began while we were bathing the kids. We enjoyed the sunset and some fireworks from the hot tub! How nice! We then moved outside for an hour more of fireworks. It was the best night, just our family, in the PERFECT weather! Then Sunday evening we went to the amazing concert/show at the ampitheatre at Long's Park in Lancaster. We wnt with our friends, the Johnsons. It was another BEAUTIFUL evening! The firing of the cannons was the greatest part for me and the finale was the best Dan said he has seen. The kids had so much fun through it all!

Les Miserables!

So I finally got to see an actual Les Mis performance. It was nice although I can not say it was the best I have been to. I still think the performace of Phantom in Atlanta topped this one. Anyway, our niece Amy went along. Francie here is your pic. She is so cute!

Tango!

Here is a pic of the kids dancing. Their older and talented cousins entertained us with a tango dance. Nat and Ev enjoyed it and as usual spent time mirroring.

Cherry Picking

Since Dan can not stomach cherries, we have not enjoyed them much the last few years. But living close to an orchard now I found no reason NOT to go. They were not as sweet as they could have been--being prego and having two kids on the ground getting high enough up on the ladder was a bit out of the question. Anyway, here are pics of them on the day we went picking.

We also just got our years worth of fresh NJ blueberries at $26 for 20 pounds! Can't beat that.

RLS & Natalie reading a book

Here is a partial video of Natalie reading a book. She gets really into the story telling-sadly at the fun parts the camera shut down. Anyway, you will also notice Everett's restless leg syndrome--I really do think he has it. The kid cannot sit still, like his father, and my father.